Preview: BITNILE.COM Grand Prix of Portland – Championship Picture Comes into Focus
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES heads to the Pacific Northwest for one of its most strategic and unpredictable road course battles — the BITNILE.COM Grand Prix of Portland presented by askROI, Aug. 8–10 at Portland International Raceway.
The Championship Stakes
With just three races to go, the title picture is crystal clear — and almost decided. Alex Palou enters Portland holding a commanding 121-point lead over Pato O’Ward. If O’Ward leaves Portland trailing by 108 points or more, Palou will clinch his third series championship in five seasons.
Since 2008, the points leader with three rounds remaining has gone on to win the title 11 out of 16 times. Palou, who has led the standings since the season opener, has history — and momentum — firmly on his side.
Track & Race Details
- Circuit: 12-turn, 1.964-mile road course
- Race Distance: 110 laps / 216.04 miles
- Push-to-Pass: 200 seconds total, max 20 seconds per activation
- Tire Allotment: Five primary sets, five alternate sets per team
- Hybrid Deployment: Unlimited activation, max 350 kJ per lap
Who to Watch
Portland has a knack for producing race winners who also win championships. In 12 previous seasons, the driver victorious at Portland went on to claim the title the same year — including Palou in 2021 and 2023.
Past Winners in the Field:
- Alex Palou (2021, 2023)
- Will Power (2019, 2024)
- Scott McLaughlin (2022)
Polesitters to Watch: Santino Ferrucci (2024), Graham Rahal (2023), McLaughlin (2022), Palou (2021), Herta (2019), Power (2018).
Team Stats: Team Penske leads all entrants with eight Portland wins, tied with Newman/Haas Racing for most all-time. Chip Ganassi Racing sits just behind with four victories.
Beyond INDYCAR – INDY NXT Title Fight
The INDY NXT by Firestone championship is far from over. Five drivers remain in contention, led by Dennis Hauger, who holds a 42-point advantage over recent double-winner Caio Collet. Local favorite Josh Pierson will look to put on a show for the home crowd, while Lochie Hughes and Myles Rowe aim to keep their title hopes alive.
This weekend also features a key Rookie of the Year battle — Hauger could clinch the honor if he outscores Hughes by 19 points.
Milestones & Records in Play
- Scott Dixon will make his 354th consecutive start, extending his INDYCAR record.
- Dixon already holds the all-time records for starts (417 after Sunday), seasons with a win (23), and consecutive seasons with a win (21).
- Graham Rahal will reach his 254th consecutive start, the third-longest streak in series history.
The Bottom Line
The Portland Grand Prix could decide the 2025 INDYCAR championship before the season finale even arrives — or it could give Pato O’Ward a lifeline. With high-stakes strategy, a tight first turn, and title pressure at maximum, expect drama from the first lap to the checkered flag.
written by Philipp Kraus / Media Credit – Penske Entertainment